Adoption stats | The Salt Lake Tribune

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I agree with many of the assertions in Nina Easton's op-ed, "We need a new attitude toward adoption" (Opinion, May 22), but one point needs correction.

While it is true that our society tends to devalue adoption as an alternative for women faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Easton's broad generalizations based on "research and conversations with birth mothers" about health care providers were inflammatory.

The National Council for Adoption's statistic she referenced — that "just 1 percent of pregnant women who seek counseling … walk out with an adoption referral" — is unequivocally not true in Utah.

Women faced with an unplanned pregnancy deserve comprehensive information about all of her options — whether to parent, choose adoption or to terminate her pregnancy. As one of Utah's largest reproductive health care providers, Planned Parenthood regularly counsels women faced with unplanned pregnancy.

All of our patients receive impartial counseling and information, including adoption referrals. They "walk out the door" with written referrals and are invited to visit our website for more information.

We understand that the decision is deeply personal, and we support women in their choice and provide service, no matter what.

Heather Stringfellow Vice president of public policyPlanned Parenthood of Utah

Salt Lake City